Milford Haven Coastguard control paged the crews at Burnham at 8.24pm after a yacht had reported engine failure in the Bristol Channel, shortly before high water.

Luckily for the yachts crew, the Bridgwater pilot boat was at sea, and had taken them in tow.

The Burnham RNLI volunteers quickly launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Doris Day and Brian, and proceeded towards the casualty craft. The pilot boat was proceeding well, but being on duty tonight, the lifeboat volunteers had to take over the tow.

Lifeboat helmsman Ashley Chappel said: “The casualty yacht was well equipped but had experienced engine failure in the approaches to Burnham. We took over the tow and delivered them to the security of the sailing club pontoons, in the River Brue.”

“Once the craft was safely moored, we returned the lifeboat to Burnham-on-Sea town slip for recovery to the lifeboat station, for a wash-down, and refuelling, by the volunteer shore crew.”

A 8.5m Atlantic 85 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach. Burnham station was opened officially on 15th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.